Zomato Food Rescue

Zomato Introduces ‘Food Rescue’ to Reduce Food Wastage from Canceled Orders

To address food wastage from canceled orders, Zomato has launched an innovative feature called Food Rescue. According to Zomato’s statement, restaurant partners will continue to be compensated for canceled orders and will also receive a share of the amount paid by new customers if the order is claimed. This new approach aims to make canceled orders available to nearby customers at discounted rates, helping reduce food waste.

Why Food Rescue?

Zomato reports that, despite strict policies and a no-refund policy for cancellations, more than 400,000 perfectly good orders are canceled each year, often leading to substantial food wastage. The Food Rescue feature is designed to counter this by redirecting canceled orders to nearby customers who can purchase them at a reduced price. “We don’t encourage order cancellations as they lead to food wastage,” Zomato stated. “The top concern is to save food from being wasted.”

How Food Rescue Works for Customers

When an order is canceled, it appears as a Food Rescue option on the Zomato app for customers within a 3 km radius of the delivery partner carrying the food. This opportunity is time-sensitive, so customers need to act quickly to claim the order, which remains in its original, untampered packaging.

Eligibility: Customers within a 3 km radius can claim the order, but it’s not available to the original customer or nearby residents to prevent unwanted redelivery.
Payment Distribution: If the original customer paid online, a portion of the new customer’s payment will be shared with both the original customer and the restaurant partner.
No Zomato Profits: Zomato does not retain any proceeds from Food Rescue transactions, aside from necessary government taxes.
Item Restrictions: Perishable items or items sensitive to temperature, like ice creams, shakes, or certain smoothies, are not eligible for Food Rescue.
Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian customers will not see non-vegetarian canceled orders.

Benefits for Restaurant Partners

Restaurant partners continue to receive full compensation for canceled orders. Additionally, if a canceled order is claimed by a new customer, the restaurant partner earns a share of the new customer’s payment. Should a restaurant wish not to participate in Food Rescue, they can easily opt-out through the Restaurant Partner app and dashboard.

How Delivery Partners Benefit

Zomato ensures delivery partners are fully compensated for the complete trip, including both the initial pickup and the final drop-off at the new customer’s location. This means that delivery partners are rewarded for their time and effort, even when orders are rerouted.

Conclusion:

Zomato’s Food Rescue feature is a strategic solution that transforms order cancellations into a win-win scenario for customers, restaurants, and delivery partners. Zomato Food Rescue, By reducing food waste, providing great deals to nearby customers, and maintaining fair compensation for restaurant and delivery partners, Food Rescue represents Zomato’s commitment to sustainability and customer satisfaction.